THE PRIMROSE Hospice has confirmed it will not be opening its new shop on Bromsgrove High Street in a building which houses the Healing Horse Sanctuary store.

Last week Susie Gessey, the owner of the sanctuary, said she had been left devastated after been given an eviction notice just two weeks after opening ‘Gifts of Love’ to generate funds.

It was revealed a ‘break clause’ allowed the landlord to terminate the charity’s lease with 28 days’ notice and the shop was still being advertised by the estate agent on its website for £30,000 per year.

This prompted an angry reaction on social media platforms and the Standard was contacted by numerous people regarding the situation and asking us to investigate.

The Primrose Hospice came forward to confirm it was the charity which would be taking up residence but stressed that it had asked the letting agent to inform the tenant of the ‘advanced negotiations’ six weeks before The Healing Horse Sanctuary’s shop opened.

Despite making this clear, the charity was subjected to abuse on social media and has now decided not to proceed.

In a statement, it said: “Everyone at Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre is both heartbroken and devastated by recent unwarranted negativity towards us, impacting our ability to serve our patients and families.

“Due to this treatment, and the fact we have not yet signed the lease, we have made the difficult decision not to proceed with a new shop in Bromsgrove.

“We have always acted with honesty and integrity, and recently had a positive meeting with the Healing Horse Sanctuary and remain in touch.

“We’d like to clear the air by stating that Primrose Hospice simply engaged with an agent who was actively promoting a shop on Bromsgrove High Street to us, and also to other businesses and charities.

“We do very much regret the distress this caused the Healing Horse Sanctuary.

“However, it’s essential to understand that the 28-day notice on the lease they signed allows for the building to continue to be marketed, and landlords use this type of arrangement to keep shops open whilst still searching for a paying client.”

The statement concluded by thanking everyone who had supported the Primrose ‘during this difficult time’.

“Please, before considering posting negative comments, appreciate the impact those comments may have on those we serve, our team and volunteers.”

The Healing Horse Sanctuary needs more than £40,000-a-year to keep the charity open and is urging people to donate or organise fundraising events to support the cause and help keep the organisation going.

We contacted Ms Gessey today regarding the Primrose Hospice’s decision and are awaiting a response.

Visit thehealinghorsesanctuary.org.uk or facebook.com/AnimalHealingTrust for more information on The Healing Horse Sanctuary and email [email protected] to offer help and support to the cause.

The Standard says…..

THE PRIMROSE Hospice’s statement regarding the charity shop occupied by The Healing Horse Sanctuary demonstrates that the social media backlash it faced is completely unjustified.

The Primrose told the agent to inform the sanctuary about the negotiations weeks before the shop was due to open – which would have avoided all the hassle and heartache. Both charities are fantastic causes and the Primrose has helped so many people in Bromsgrove and beyond through desperately difficult times.

Before putting fingers to keyboards in their rage people should ensure they ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater’.